Process for the preparation of iodopropargyl compounds of the formula (I), in which R is hydrogen, in each case optionally substituted C1-C20-alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C6-C20-aryl or C3-C20-cycloalkyl and n is an integer from 1 to 6, characterized in that propargyl compounds of the formula (II) in which R and n have the above meaning, are reacted with iodine and/or metal iodides in the presence of a base and using chlorine.